We were impressed by the rifle’s performance, easily hitting targets at 60 yards with open sights, so we arranged to review a DLX model in .22 LR. All the following testing was conducted with this rifle over the past three months.
The Specs
- Overall length: 36.5 inches
- Barrel length: 18 inches, threaded (1/2-28TPI standard)
- Length of pull: 14.5 inches
- Overall width: 1.42 inches at the widest point over the stock
- Overall height: 8.4 inches with lever open
- Magazine capacity: 12-shot under-barrel tube magazine.
- Sights: Adjustable iron sights with a drilled and tapped receiver for optics base.
- Trigger pull: 2.5 pounds (10-pull average).
- Weight: 6.1 pounds, unloaded
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Weight, loaded, and outfitted: 6.37 pounds with 12 rounds of CCI Blazer 38-grain .22LR, SiCo Switchback suppressor.
Features
A sleek, modern take on the classic lever "cowboy" action rimfire rifle, the Revel DLX stands ready for some serious fun on the range, plinking away at a variety of targets or, with its quick takedown and portability, a nice packable tool for small game hunting or pest control.
The trigger breaks clean at about 2.5 pounds with little travel.
Sadly, Savage puts a giant vinyl sticker on the walnut forearm that takes a bit of effort to remove. Savage, if you read this: STOP.
Reliability
We shot probably a dozen different loads through our test gun, totaling well over 1,500 rounds, across the past couple of months. The Revel is just such a fun gun to shoot; you keep dropping new rounds down the tube and cranking them out. We had zero issues with the rifle on the range; that was the fault of the rifle. There were the inevitable handful of jams caused by short-stroking the lever, as is the nature of lever actions. There was also a small handful of rounds that failed to go off with a good hit from the hammer, as is the nature of rimfire ammo.
The CCI Subsonic HP was accurate, dependable, and, above all, quiet. The sound of the lever working is louder than the muted bark of the bullet. Plus, keep in mind that this is a hollow point, so groundhogs, rabbits, and squirrels are on the schedule with such a load.
Accuracy
Savage has a reputation for making some of the most accurate rifles in the world, and the Revel continues to carry that torch. Hitting steel gongs at 100 yards was no issue, even with open sights and bulk ammo. EGW makes a scope base for the Revel that is easy to install and sets up the rifle for glass.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Accurate.
- Reliable.
- Simple manual of arms.
- Easy take down.
- North American made in Lakefield, Ontario.
- Feels good and is comfortable for adult users.
- Threaded barrel.
- Nice furniture.
- Excellent value.
Cons
- No sling studs.
- The Savage sticker shouldn't be a thing.
Conclusion
The Savage Revel DLX hits it out of the park when it comes to a well-done lever-action rimfire.
It's a takedown rifle that is simple in function and has a lower ask than the $800-$900 Browning BL-22. The Revel is accurate for practical purposes and dependable across numerous types of rimfire ammo. The threaded barrel is a must for those who want to run a can and sit back and quietly plink or control pests around the ponderosa. The follow-on .22 Mag and .17 HMR versions of the gun should prove interesting.
Plus, you are talking about a rifle that can be used both as a trainer and passed down as an heirloom.
About the only thing I can gripe about with the Revel is that there are no sling studs and that Savage should stop putting that giant sticker on the walnut furniture.
Other than that, if you get one of these, be ready to stock up on the ammo. You are going to burn through it.
